Record crowds depart Louisville airport after Kentucky Derby weekend

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — More than 18,000 people departed from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport last year, the day after the Kentucky Derby.

But this year, it set a new record for the airport's most traveled day.

Representatives from SDF said more than 140 flights departed from the airport Sunday.

Those flights carried nearly 20,000 people back home as Derby weekend wrapped up.

"We gave ourselves so much time which I think is important when you're traveling," traveler Rebekah Hartman said.

Natalie Chaudoin, with the Louisville airport, said Sunday likely set a new all-time record for the airport's single busiest day, beating last year's record for Sunday travel after Derby.

According to Chaudoin, 18,500 people flew out of SDF the day after Derby 2025.

On a normal travel day, there are only 9,000 to 10,000 departing passengers with an average of 80 to 85 departing flights.

Travelers made sure to plan ahead.

"They make a really big deal about it, which is kind of cool but at the same time there was a lot going on," traveler Shon Stewart said. "But luckily, I was able to get a rental car and everything else. I was really concerned about that and really the pricing wasn't more than what it normally is."

Airlines added 24 routes specifically for Derby this year. American Airlines also added flights for 13 markets they do not currently fly at SDF.